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What size furnace should I buy?

Square FootageFurnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home100,000 to 120,000 BTU

Heat Pump Troubleshooting Wizard

Heat pump not working properly? Describe your symptoms and get a diagnosis —
before calling a technician and paying a service call fee.
🩺 Symptom Diagnosis
🔧 DIY vs. Pro Guidance
⚡ Instant Results
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Heat Pump Troubleshooting Wizard

Answer 5 quick questions about your heat pump symptoms and get a likely diagnosis with recommended next steps.

What is the main issue you’re experiencing with your heat pump?
When does the problem mainly occur?
What sound do you hear from your heat pump?
What’s happening with your indoor temperatures?
When was your last professional maintenance?
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🔍 DIAGNOSIS READY
Recommended Next Steps
⚠️ Urgency Level:

Note: This diagnosis is based on common symptom patterns and is for informational purposes only. A certified HVAC technician should inspect your system for an accurate diagnosis.

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Common Heat Pump Problems & Solutions

Heat pumps are generally reliable systems, but when problems occur, understanding the likely cause can help you decide whether to handle it yourself or call an HVAC technician. Below are the most frequently reported issues for Canadian homeowners.
SymptomLikely CauseDIY or Pro?
Not heating / blowing cold air in heat modeLow refrigerant, defrost cycle, thermostat issPro (refrigerant) / DIY (thermostat)
Outdoor unit covered in iceDefrost cycle failure, low refrigerant, airflow blockageDIY check / Pro if persists
Short cycling (turns on/off frequently)Oversized unit, dirty filter, refrigerant issueDIY (filter) / Pro (refrigerant)
Loud banging or clanking noiseLoose fan blade, debris in outdoor unit, failing compressorPro required
Not cooling in summerLow refrigerant, dirty coils, thermostat set incorrectlyDIY (thermostat/coils) / Pro
High electricity billsLow refrigerant, dirty filter, aging system, air leaksDIY (filter) / Pro (refrigerant)

Heat Pump Icing: Normal vs. Problem

One of the most common concerns for Canadian homeowners is seeing ice on their heat pump. Some icing is completely normal — heat pumps go through automatic defrost cycles to melt frost buildup on the outdoor coil. However, excessive or persistent ice can indicate a problem.
✅ Normal Icing
Light frost or ice on the outdoor coil during cold weather, defrost cycle running every 30–90 minutes, ice melts within 15–30 minutes, system continues heating normally.
⚠️ Problem Icing
Outdoor unit completely encased in ice, fan blade frozen and not spinning, ice has not melted after 2+ hours, system running but not heating effectively — call a technician.
🔧 DIY Checks First
Ensure nothing is blocking airflow around the outdoor unit (snow, leaves, debris), check that the filter is clean, and confirm thermostat is set correctly before calling for service.
🌡️ Cold Weather Operation
At very low temperatures (below –20°C), even cold-climate heat pumps work harder and may produce less heat. If your backup heat strips are engaging frequently, this is normal — it's not a malfunction.

DIY Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

Many heat pump problems can be prevented or resolved with regular maintenance. Here's what you can do yourself every month and every season:
Monthly (DIY)
Check and replace the indoor air filter if dirty (every 1–3 months). Ensure vents and registers throughout the home are open and unobstructed. Check that the outdoor unit is clear of leaves, grass, snow, and debris. Listen for any unusual noises during operation.
Seasonally (DIY)
In spring, clean the outdoor coil fins gently with a garden hose (turn unit off first). In fall, clear any leaves or debris from around the outdoor unit and ensure it's level. Check the condensate drain for blockages. Inspect refrigerant lines for damage or ice buildup outside of normal operation.
Annual (Professional)
Schedule an annual professional tune-up before the heating season (September–October is ideal). A professional service includes: checking refrigerant levels and pressures, cleaning the indoor evaporator coil, testing electrical connections and capacitors, verifying defrost operation, calibrating thermostat, and checking reversing valve operation.

Error Codes: What They Mean

Modern heat pumps display error codes on the indoor unit or thermostat. While codes vary by brand, here are some of the most common types across Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and similar brands:
Code TypeTypical MeaningAction
Thermistor / Sensor ErrorTemperature sensor malfunctionCall technician
Communication ErrorIndoor/outdoor unit not communicatingCheck wiring / Call tech
Compressor ErrorCompressor overheating or failingCall technician immediately
Defrost ErrorDefrost cycle not completingCheck airflow / Call tech
Fan Motor ErrorIndoor or outdoor fan issueCheck for obstructions / Call tech

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my heat pump turn on but blow cool air in heating mode?

Several causes: the system may be in defrost mode (a normal temporary condition), the reversing valve may be stuck, refrigerant may be low, or the outdoor temperature may be below the unit's rated operating range. If it's not defrost mode and persists more than 30 minutes, call an HVAC technician.

A whooshing or gurgling sound when the system switches between heating and cooling modes is the reversing valve changing position — this is completely normal. You may also hear refrigerant flow sounds during startup, which is also normal. Loud banging, clanking, or grinding noises are not normal and require professional inspection.

HVAC professionals recommend annual heat pump servicing, ideally in September before the heating season. The service ensures the defrost system, refrigerant levels, electrical components, and filters are all in top condition before the cold Canadian winter arrives.

A standard diagnostic service call typically costs $100–$200 in most Canadian cities. Annual maintenance tune-ups (non-emergency) typically run $150–$300. If refrigerant is needed, expect to pay an additional $200–$500 depending on the type and amount required.

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